Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai
A leading ethical sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, offering immersive, respectful experiences.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Elephants are most active
Elephant Nature Park Chiang Mai
Best Time
Elephants are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A leading ethical sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants, offering immersive, respectful experiences.
"An inspiring and ethical experience, a highlight of any trip to Thailand."
🎯 Choose Ethical Sanctuaries
Prioritize places like Elephant Nature Park that focus on observation, not riding or bathing.
📅 Book Ahead!
Popular ethical sanctuaries fill up fast, sometimes months in advance. Book early!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Observe Rescued Elephants
Elephant Nature Park
Witness majestic rescued elephants roaming freely, a truly moving experience that supports their rehabilitation.
Prepare Elephant Snacks
Elephant Nature Park
Get hands-on by preparing and feeding delicious fruit and vegetable snacks to the elephants.
Walk with the Herd
Elephant Nature Park
Accompany elephants on a gentle walk through their natural habitat, observing their behavior.
Meet Other Rescued Animals
Elephant Nature Park
Discover a sanctuary that also cares for rescued dogs, cats, and even water buffalo.
Planning Your Visit
Prioritize Ethical Sanctuaries
Book in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Choose Ethical Sanctuaries
Prioritize places like Elephant Nature Park that focus on observation, not riding or bathing.
📅 Book Ahead!
Popular ethical sanctuaries fill up fast, sometimes months in advance. Book early!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Closed-toe, water-friendly shoes like Keen sandals are ideal for walking and potential mud.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Chiang Mai can be hot. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Choose Ethical Sanctuaries
Prioritize places like Elephant Nature Park that focus on observation, not riding or bathing.
📅 Book Ahead!
Popular ethical sanctuaries fill up fast, sometimes months in advance. Book early!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Closed-toe, water-friendly shoes like Keen sandals are ideal for walking and potential mud.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Chiang Mai can be hot. Bring a reusable water bottle and drink plenty of water.
📸 Respectful Photography
Capture memories, but always prioritize the elephants' well-being and observe from a respectful distance.
🌿 Pack Light
A 40L backpack is usually sufficient for a day trip or even an overnight stay.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Elephant Nature Park for its unwavering commitment to ethical elephant welfare, offering a truly inspiring and educational experience. The park's dedication to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants is evident, with many highlighting the respectful interactions and the opportunity to learn about each animal's story. While some find the cost to be on the higher side, the overwhelming sentiment is that the experience is profoundly worthwhile and a highlight of any trip to Thailand.
"This is a really special place. After researching ethical elephant sanctuaries we booked here for the full day walking experience. It's truly a place that cares about the elephants, there is no riding or bathing. The day involved being picked up at our hotel and arriving at the sanctuary. We walked through the park and our guide told us all about the elephants and knew each one by name. It was truly magical. We then went to the second part of the sanctuary and had a buffet lunch, this was delicious. We then made up snacks for the elephants before hand feeding them. Finally we walked with the elephants for them to go swimming in the river. It was a really good day out and if you are looking for a truly ethical experience this is the place to book!!"
Kathryn Chalkley
"We had an amazing overnight stay here in January, loved every minute! All the elephants seemed well cared for, we were able to get close to them all, but weren't allowed to touch them, ride them, clean them etc, so it seemed very ethical. We were allowed to feed some specific elephants by hand, under the careful supervision of their mahouts, which was a great experience. Over the 2 days we were there we had guided tours where they taught us about the elephants, detailed their past before rescue etc, watched the elephants frolic in the river (very cute), and we even got to make a "cake" (out of watermelon and banana) to feed two elephants. All the guides were fantastic.
There are also loads of dogs and cats there, some of the dogs roam free and are very cute, and the cat sanctuaries are also very cute and great to visit for any cat lover. Again, all animals seemed well cared for, the cats were very playful and would climb all over us.
The last thing to say was how delicious all the food was, it was a vegetarian (or maybe even vegan?) buffet. I'm not a veggie but genuinely loved it all - the noodle station being a particular highlight."
Jamie
"We decided to try this nature park out after doing quite a bit of research on which parks seemed to be the most ethical in Chiang Mai area. We opted for the 2D1N package, including an overnight stay, being picked up + dropped off and all our meals included. The park itself was amazing, and all the volunteers that we met. Especially our first tour guide, Mos. He was so informative and made you feel as if you were really learning about each elephant and how different their lives are now compared to before.
Honestly the only downside was the room not having AC, it did have a fan, so for one night it was bearable.
I would highly recommend this place as you really feel as if you are just being present with the elephants with nothing feeling forced or them being pressured."
Katie Cameron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Most ethical elephant sanctuaries, including Elephant Nature Park, offer complimentary pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in Chiang Mai. This is often included in the tour price.
While you can drive, booking directly with the sanctuary often includes transportation, which is convenient and supports their operations.
The journey from Chiang Mai to Elephant Nature Park typically takes about an hour to an hour and a half, depending on traffic and the specific location of your accommodation.
Yes, while Elephant Nature Park is highly recommended, other ethical options include Chang Chill and Elephant Dream Project, which focus on observation and no-touch policies.
For sanctuary visits, pre-arranged pick-up by the sanctuary is the most common and recommended method. For exploring Chiang Mai city, songthaews (red trucks) and Grab (ride-sharing app) are popular options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Day visit prices typically range from 2,500 to 3,500 THB, with specialized programs like Elephant Highlands costing more. Overnight stays are also available.
Absolutely! Elephant Nature Park is very popular and often books up months in advance, especially for day visits and overnight stays.
A typical day visit includes hotel pick-up, a guided tour, preparing and feeding elephant snacks, and observing the elephants in their environment. Vegetarian buffet lunch is also usually included.
Yes, ENP offers various programs like 'Single Day Visit,' 'Elephant Highlands,' and 'Care for Elephants,' each with different activities and durations.
It is highly unlikely to get tickets on the day of your visit due to the high demand. Booking well in advance is strongly advised.
🎫 🐘 Onsite Experience
No, Elephant Nature Park strictly prohibits touching, bathing, or riding elephants to ensure their welfare. You observe them from a respectful distance.
You can prepare and feed them snacks, walk alongside them, and observe their natural behaviors in a safe and ethical environment.
While specific age restrictions aren't always stated, the activities are generally suitable for most ages. Families with young children often find it a rewarding experience.
Wear comfortable, light clothing and closed-toe shoes that can get wet or muddy, like hiking sandals or water shoes.
Yes, Elephant Nature Park is very welcoming to solo travelers. The guided tours and shared experiences make it easy to connect with other visitors.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Elephant Nature Park offers delicious vegetarian buffet meals, often with a variety of Thai dishes. Vegan options are usually available.
Yes, the park is known for its vegetarian buffet, and vegan options are typically available.
It's generally not necessary as meals are included in the visit. However, if you have specific dietary needs, it's best to contact the park in advance.
Yes, there is an on-site dining area where the buffet meals are served, often with scenic views.
Overnight stays typically include all meals: dinner, breakfast, and lunch, served buffet-style.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is allowed, but it's important to be respectful and not disturb the elephants. Focus on capturing natural behaviors.
The areas where you prepare food, walk with the elephants, and observe them by the river offer great photographic opportunities.
While elephants may approach you, direct selfies are discouraged to maintain ethical distance. Focus on candid shots of them in their environment.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient. Consider a zoom lens if you want to capture details from a distance.
While not formal tours, guides are knowledgeable and can point out interesting subjects. The owner, Ben, is also noted as an excellent photographer.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider booking a day trip, as it provides a good balance of activities without being too strenuous for children. Ensure your child understands the importance of respecting the animals' space and following the guides' instructions.
💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Solo Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ethics of Elephant Sanctuaries
Redditors often emphasize that true sanctuaries do not allow activities like forced bathing, as it can be detrimental to the elephants' sensitive skin and can be a stressful experience for them.
When researching, look for sanctuaries that clearly state their no-touch, no-bathing policies and focus on rehabilitation. Be wary of places that offer extensive physical interaction, as this can be a red flag for unethical practices.
Planning Your Visit to Elephant Nature Park
When packing, comfortable, closed-toe shoes that can handle mud and water are essential. Keen sandals or similar amphibious footwear are highly recommended by past visitors.
It's important to note that the park's pricing, while seemingly higher than other tourist activities, reflects the significant costs associated with caring for a large number of rescued elephants.
The Chai Lai Orchid Experience
While Chai Lai Orchid is often presented as an ethical sanctuary, it's important to note that some content suggests a distinction in their approach compared to ENP. Some videos mention the possibility of feeding and playing with elephants, which can be a point of consideration for those prioritizing a strictly observation-based ethical experience.
Prices for accommodation at Chai Lai Orchid are often highlighted as being budget-friendly, with rooms available for around $50-$100 per night, making it an attractive option for travelers looking for unique stays.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit